New York Cat Cafe Opens In December

A cat café is opening on December 15 in New York City. Meow Parlour, located at 46 Hester St., offers cat lovers the chance to pet the cats in the café. All of the cats, which are from KittyKind, are adoptable. The café can accommodate up to 12 cats and 30 people.

According to the New York Daily News, the café is connected to a patisserie where clients can get goods such as Blue Bottle Coffee, macarons, and baked goods. All the cats in the cafe will come from a rescue center and visitors can bring their food into the cat room. However, cats can’t be brought into the dining area. Meow Parlour also caters to guests who want to hold their private events in the cafe.

Based on statistics the rate of pet ownership in New York City is 60 percent less than those in other areas. There are about 500,000 dogs and cats in the city, which is equivalent to one dog or cat for every three households, GMA Network reports.

However, this doesn’t mean that people living in New York don’t love pets as much as people living in other states. The statistics are lower, as pet ownership is quite difficult in small living quarters. In addition, plenty of apartment buildings in New York do not allow pets.

Cat cafes were first popularized in Japan, and the fad has caught on in different countries around the world. Earlier this month, Inquisitr reported about the first permanent cat café in the U.S., which is located in Oakland. The café proved to be a success in the first few weeks.

Cat lovers must call in for reservations to be able to secure a spot in Meow Parlour. Clients will be charged $4 per half hour that they spend with the lovable felines.

Other cat cafes will soon open in other locations such as Portland, Los Angeles, Denver, and Seattle.

The Kansas City Pet Project said it is taking in the largest number of animals it’s had in years after a growing number of people have surrendered their pets.

The shelter said that shelters across the Kansas City metropolitan area are unusually full of dogs and cats needing homes right now.

One of them, a boxer mix named Luna, was given up by her owner because of issues with her owner’s landlord.

The KC Pet Project’s Tori Fugate said pet surrenders are up about 40 percent. Money issues are a common reason. The shelter said it does everything it can to try to help the pet stay in the home.

“If it’s a matter of food, we offer them food,” Fugate said. “If it’s vet care, we give them resources so they can get the pet the care they need to keep them out of the shelter, because absolutely, this should be the very last resort.”

She said owners should try to find a new home for the animal with a family member or people they know on social media.

The KC Pet Project is set to take in 10,000 pets this year. That’s the most the no-kill shelter has had since 2007. It has saved 2,400 pets lives just this summer alone.

The shelter is running a Tackle Pet Homelessness special through the weekend in honor of Sunday’s Chiefs game against the Seattle Seahawks. Dogs weighing 40 pounds or more, which is most of the dogs in the shelter, can be adopted for $40. Adult cats can be adopted for $25. Kittens are $50, but people who want to take home two kittens can get the second one free.

In addition to forever homes for its animals, the shelter is also looking for people to serve as foster families or those who can make financial donations.

Unlike dogs, cats are at best semi-domesticated—and we love them for that.

hlehto/Flickr

Dog lovers will find it baffling that cats are the world’s most popular pet. After all, they’re passive-aggressive, emotionally unavailable, and known for their chilly independence—traits that at most qualify felines for the role of “man’s best frenemy.”

It turns out, though, there’s an evolutionary reason for this tense relationship. That is, cats are in many ways still wild.

“Cats, unlike dogs, are really only semi-domesticated,” says Wes Warren, professor of genetics Washington University and co-author of the first complete mapping (paywall) of the house cat genome—specifically, that of an Abyssinian named Cinnamon.

Comparing the DNA differences between house cats and wild cats, Warren and his colleagues found that where the genes of domesticated kitties and wild cats diverge has to do with fur patterns, grace, and docility. The latter are the genes that influence behaviors such as reward-seeking and response to fear.

The context for this split is telling. The divergence likely began some 9,000 years ago, after humans had made the shift to agriculture. Drawn to the teeming rodent populations that gathered during grain harvests, wild cats began interacting with humans. And because cats kept rodents in check, the researchers hypothesize, humans likely encouraged them to stay by offering them food scraps as a reward. These early farmers eventually kept cats that stuck around.

“Selection for docility, as a result of becoming accustomed to humans for food rewards,” write the researchers, “was most likely the major force that altered the first domesticated cat genomes.” In other words, the ones that stuck around were the cats with those genes that encouraged interaction with humans, thereby making those traits prevalent in what became the global domestic cat population.

Not only are cats still mostly wild, but they also pretty much tamed themselves.

As intriguing, though, is what didn’t change in human-friendly cats during those nine millennia. House cats still have the broadest hearing range among carnivores, which allows them to detect their prey’s movement. They also retain their night-vision abilities and the ability to digest high-protein, high-fat diets. This implies that, unlike those of dogs, their genes haven’t evolved to make cats dependent on humans for food.

This indicates only a modest influence of domestication on cat genes, compared with dogs, say the researchers. In fact, according to recent research on canine genomes, dogs became man’s best friend back when humans were still hunting and gathering—between 11,000 and 16,000 years ago. Their typically more omnivorous diets evolved as human lifestyle shifted toward agrarian living.

So why have kitties stayed wilder? The genome-mappers theorize it’s because house cat populations have continued to interbreed with wild cats. Also, humans’ “cat fancy”—meaning, our fanaticism about creating weird cat breeds—only began in the last 200 or so years.

They came for the mice, stayed for the food scraps, and whenever it suited, kept cuddly with the cats from the other side of the granary. In other words, not only are cats still mostly wild, but they also pretty much tamed themselves. Maybe that means humans are “cats’ best friend.”

As it gets colder outside, veterinarians give pet owners some basic tips on proper shelter and safety for pets during the winter season.

For outside pets, vets recommend a sheltered area that doesn’t have a lot of drafts coming in.

Also don’t be afraid to throw a little extra food in their bowl.

Vets say animals will be using more calories to keep their body temperature high during the winter months.

For cats, owners need to be sure to check under their car. Veterinarians say cats love to seek heat and under a vehicle is the first place they’ll go.

Veterinarian Libby Ownby reminds owners not to forget one important aspect of properly taking care of your pet during the cold weather.

“Keep their water fresh and don’t let it ice over or anything like that because that way they get the fresh water they need every day,” Ownby said.

If there is salt outside, veterinarians strongly recommend wiping off the salt from your pet’s paws once they return inside.

The Humane Society of Missouri also gets these tips on pet safety during the winter months:

Bring your pet inside: Don’t leave your pet outside in the cold for prolonged periods of time. Remember — thermometers might show one temperature, but wind chills can make it feel much, much colder. Limit time outdoors and be mindful of frostbite on ears, tail and paws. If you run with your dog, pay attention to cold paws and, if it gets too cold, leave your pup at home. Cats should always be left indoors — it’s the law in the City of St. Louis. “Outdoor” cats are often victims of road traffic, wilds animals, dogs and cruel people and freezing or starving to death in severely cold weather.

Acclimate your pet to cold weather: If your pets spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure to introduce them gradually to dropping temperatures, rather than exposing them to the extreme cold all at once.

Provide Adequate Shelter: Adequate shelter is mandated by law. If your dog lives outdoors, you must provide a well-insulated and draft-free doghouse. The opening should face south with a sturdy, flexible covering to prevent icy winds from entering. Line the floors of the shelter with straw, not hay. Towels and blankets can become damp or freeze, making the space colder.

Beware of antifreeze and rock salt: Antifreeze often collects on driveways and roadways. Although it smells and tastes sweet to your pet, it is lethally poisonous. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately! Deicing products like rock salt can irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your pet’s feet after being outside. Pet stores often carry pet-safe ice melts that do the job and won’t harm your pets.

Dry off wet pets: A wet pet is a cold pet. Towel or blow-dry your pet if he gets wet from rain or snow. Also, it is important to clean and dry paws to prevent tiny cuts and cracked pads.

Provide plenty of food and water: It takes more energy in the winter to properly regulate body temperature, so your pet may need additional calories if he spends a lot of time playing or working outdoors. Your pet is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer, so be sure to provide plenty of fresh water. Snow is not a substitute for water. Refill outside bowls often to prevent freezing.

Carefully keep pets warm inside: Keep your pets warm, dry and away from drafts while inside. Space heaters and other supplemental heat sources can burn your pet. Keep portable heaters out of reach and make sure all fireplaces have adequate screening. And, of course, never leave your pet alone with an unattended fire.

Groom regularly: Your pet needs a well-groomed coat to keep him properly insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs might get extra cold so consider a sweater or a coat. Long-haired dogs should have their paw hair trimmed to ease in cleaning and snow removal.

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwired – Nov 4, 2014) – Canna-Pet™ the leading American innovator of over-the-counter cannabinoid products for animals, today announced the online launch of its updated and reformulated All Natural Canna-Biscuits for Dogs (www.canna-pet.com).

A company representative comments, “Effective immediately, we have started shipping our exciting product to our many new and loyal customers. Canna-Biscuits for Dogs are an ideal means to introduce consumers to the health benefits that hemp-based cannabinoids offer. Our biscuits are easily administered, safe and delicious. Canna-Biscuits are particularly popular for anxious pets, as evidenced by many consumers who have reported calmer behavior during thunderstorms, travel, or during extended absences.”

All biscuits are “Made in the USA,” with 100% natural, non-GMO hemp, and human grade food ingredients. The company further states that “Canna-Biscuits are held to the same food quality standards as the products you serve to your human family.”

Now reformulated and available in five dog-friendly flavor profiles, each of the colorful new packages contains eight ounces of high quality treats. The biscuits are Made in the USA and produced under the exacting standards of an established and dedicated professional bakery. Canna-Biscuits are the ideal treat for any dog, and for many pet owners the biscuits are an ideal supplement to the Canna-Pet™ lineup of hemp-based capsule products.

About Canna-Pet™ Products for Pet HealthCanna-Pet™ is the culmination of years of research and development to provide the benefits of CBD without the “high” typically associated with marijuana. Today, Canna-Pet™ offers the leading veterinarian recommended, over-the-counter CBD products for cats, dogs and other domesticated animals. The company uses non-GMO hemp as starting material and all products are proudly made in the USA. In addition to CBD, Canna-Pet products contain proprietary ratios of other cannabinoids and terpenes, which make the products uniquely effective. Canna-Pet™ is the leading producer of safe, hemp-based, cannabinoid (CBD) containing products, which are available under an exclusive commercial license agreement with Cannabis Therapy Corp. (OTCQB: CTCO). Order online at: www.canna-pet.com.

FDA Disclosure: The statements in this news release have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products and statements mentioned in this release are not intended for humans, or to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Packaging now features the new “I and love and you” logo design to enable stronger brand recognition alongside color-coding features which include base packaging color (white for dogs, silver for cats), top and bottom banner colors (e.g. green for raw food, purple for kibble, teal for chews, etc.), and additional colors for the recipe flavors (blue for seafood, red for beef, orange for poultry, etc.).

“We wanted to make product selection easier and more intuitive,” said Steve Ball, “I and love and you” CEO and co-founder. “The refreshed designs improve shoppablity within the “I and love and you” set, making it much simpler for pet parents to find exactly what they’re looking for by utilizing the fun, modern color cues. The refreshed design works both functionally and emotionally to communicate features and benefits along with the brand’s unique and fun personality, which is a huge differentiator in the pet category.”

In addition, the new packaging includes health and wellness icons on the front label that highlight each product’s functional benefits such as dental health, digestive support, and joint maintenance. Consumers can now easily shop across the entire “I and love and you” line for products to support their pet’s whole health. New packages also feature improved product benefit communication and ingredient driven images to highlight superior nutrition on the front and back, which help discerning pet parents make informed choices.

“When developing the design, we wanted to provide added information on the functional product benefits, and better highlight our quality ingredients and sourcing with all our food being made in the USA,” said Ball. “Consumers really love the fun, conversational tone that communicates our brand personality.”

The new packaging helps “I and love and you” present a bold and visually impactful set in retail environments, resulting in a strong and lasting first impression with consumers.

About “I and love and you”Founded in 2012 by a team of industry veterans and pet care experts, “I and love and you” (www.iandloveandyou.com) knows all about that special bond between pets and humans. Committed to helping give pets the very best, all products meet rigorous ingredient standards and are approved by an on-staff holistic veterinarian. “I and love and you” has created the first Total Pet Care Solution with natural, easy-to-use products: healthy food + treats + chews, supplements + remedies and flea + tick protection. “I and love and you” offers everything a well-rounded pet needs. Minus a tummy rub. They’re still trying to figure out how to put that in a package.

Growing concerns about the health of family pets, as well as a desire to treat them as equals, has seen a decrease in the volume of food bought for dogs and cats in the UK in 2013.

The UK’s love of their furry friends is a trend which has not abated even despite the recent recession, with 46% of household now owning a pet. The UK’s nine million dogs and eight million cats are the drivers of the UK pet food market, worth around $2Bn at its last estimate. Despite the historic association of cats and dogs with pre-packaged dry or wet food, however, a new trend is seemingly emerging in which pet owners are increasingly feeding their pets what they themselves would eat as humans.

With the volume in sales of dry and wet cat food still equal between the two markets, it could suggest that it is the dog food industry – whereby those who own a dog are less likely to buy wet food – which is really feeling the impact of this new way of animal eating. Around 25% of consumers would purchase an animal feed if it was high in protein, and around 13% admit to checking how much sodium their pet food contains; perhaps it is these growing concerns around pet health, along with an increasing pet obesity epidemic, causing a change in feline and canine consumption habits. Furthermore, 77% of vets say that they have noticed a marked increase in pet obesity; it is possible that this is down to previously poor eating habits and non-nutritional foods.

Pre-packaged dry food, although sometimes containing too high an amount of carbohydrate, is perhaps the preferred feeding option – especially for dogs – as the water content of wet food tends to mean more is needed to provide a substantial meal. Dry food is cheaper by weight, more nutritious and ‘complete’ (meaning it contains sufficient nutrients for a cat or dog to not need any supplements), does not require any specific storage and also has dental benefits due to its texture. However recent research indicates that many types of pet food, even dry, is high in salt, sugar, oils and fats; many also contained artificial colours despite most cats and dogs being colour blind.

With the questionable means behind pet food manufacture heralding a perceived increase in obesity and changed behavioural patterns amongst domestic pets, perhaps it is unsurprising that many owners have opted for the ‘humanisation’ of their dog or cat. Driven by the US and UK markets, feline and canine friends are increasingly being seen as family ‘equals’ who deserve what humans eat, leading not only to a drop in traditional pet food purchase but a rise in the development of pet ‘wellness’ products. There has even been a move towards ‘gluten-free’ and ‘raw food’ diets for pets, intending to mimic more closely what they may eat in the wild. However, there has also been an increasing volume of the sales of treats for pets and in the US the percentage of cat owners purchasing cat treats rose from 40% in 2007 to 50% in 2013.

Whilst sales of dog and cat food manufactured have not dropped significantly, the diverging trends surrounding treatment of household pets suggest the ‘humanisation’ phenomenon could have a sustainable, long-lasting impact on the pet food industry. An increased focus on ‘wellness’, however, may see new pet food competitors emerging.

EDMOND, Okla., Oct. 12, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — An Edmond veterinarian is emphasizing the need for area pet owners to maintain their pets’ weight at a healthy level. According to Dr. Jennifer Bianchi of White Oaks Veterinary Clinic, pet obesity can cause a host of health problems and discomforts that can drastically reduce an animal’s quality of life, ranging from diabetes to an increased risk of cancer. “Fortunately, there are many things we can do to work with pet owners and recommend the right combination of food, exercise, and other veterinary care as needed to help their pets enjoy the longest and healthiest life possible,” said Dr. Bianchi.

Edmond veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Bianchi notes that more than half of all U.S. dogs and cats qualify as overweight or obese. The accumulation of extra pounds may occur for one or more of many possible reasons, she explains, from a sedentary lifestyle and unwise feeding habits to an undiagnosed health condition. “In most cases, however, obesity stems from too much food or the wrong kinds of foods for a pet’s particular stage of life, coupled with too little activity,” she said. According to Dr. Bianchi, puppies and kittens require more food than adult animals, and a senior pet requires less food than an adult, particularly if joint problems or other age-related conditions have reduced his activity level.

The veterinarian adds that the food itself must contain the correct nutritional balance to support a healthy weight. “Pets who are allowed to consume table scraps are at a higher risk for obesity because of the high levels of fats, sugar, and starch in human foods,” she warns.

Dr. Bianchi states that obesity can create the same disease risks in pets as it does in humans, with the same debilitating or even fatal results. She observes that obesity in animals is associated with higher rates of diabetes, heart and liver problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, and even certain forms of cancer. Additionally, too much weight can stress the joints, causing premature joint wear, arthritis, and other painful conditions.

Dr. Bianchi recommends prevention as the best medicine for pet obesity. She advises area pet owners to bring their animals in for regularly scheduled wellness visits so the veterinary team can weigh him and determine whether he is carrying too much weight for his age and breed. “If we see possible cause for concern, we can recommend dietary, nutritional and lifestyle changes that can help,” she said, adding severely obese dogs may benefit from an oral medication called Slentrol if all other measures have failed to reduce their weight.

“Although now they will be scrabbling around trying to get rid of any
evidence.”

Another man told the group that he had profiled the streets by the earliest
dates noted that “the three locations are within a mile to two miles of
each other”. He then named the road he believed the perpetrator to live.

One man mapped the locations of cat disappearances in a bid to track down
the perpetrator

The police have acknowledged that there is much “speculation” about the
missing cats, but warned that residents must contact the authorities if they
see anything suspicious, rather than taking the law into their own hands.

There have been several sightings reported by group members of a couple who
drive around Ipswich, tempting cats with sweets.

Kevin Liard, a 48-year-old cat owner, said that the children of Ipswich should
be mobilised to help locate the missing cats.

“Kids are really small, they can see under cars. If kids are told about
something like this they are more inclined to look under cars,” he said.

Mr Liard added that there was too much “scaremongering” about the
whereabouts of the missing cats.

Missy went missing from Cedars Park in Stowmarket last month

Deni Parkes, 50, who started the “Missing Ipswich Cats” Facebook
group, warned members to remain “level headed” and to stick to “proof and
facts”.

“The problem is you might target someone who might be completely
innocent,” she said.

“It’s all hearsay, that’s the problem. I think everyone is upset and they are
going to come up with theories because their brains are going into
overdrive.”

Ms Parkes, a part-time nanny and mother-of-two said: “We need to stay level
headed and stick to proof and facts. Theories are not going to help us.”

Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk said: “There is
never an excuse for anyone to torture or maltreat a defenceless animal.

“I am confident that the police and the RSPCA are working together, and I hope
these unpleasant people are caught quickly, prosecuted and receive a severe
punishment.

“It is really important that the authorities are allowed to deal with
this appropriately and I urge anyone who knows, or suspects, anything to
contact the police. What we do not want is for people to take the law into
their own hands.”

Sgt Mark Thomas from Ipswich South East Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “With
much speculation and reports of missing cats, police are currently assessing
the situation and looking into whether any crimes have occurred.

“We ask for anyone who has witnessed a cat being stolen to call police on 101
or if anyone has evidence of animal welfare issues to contact the RSPCA on
0300 1234 999.

“If a crime has occurred the matter will be taken seriously and officers will
investigate thoroughly.”

“Our sympathies are with the owners of these cats as it is really
upsetting to lose their cats in this way.

“We urge anyone with any evidence of animal welfare offences to call us
on 0300 1234 999 and we will do our best to investigate them.”

Yesterday Ben Gummer, MP for Ipswich said he was “alarmed” at the scale of the
problem.

Ipswich mayor Bill Quinton said “I share the devastation any cat owner
feels when their much-loved pet goes missing or is injured or killed.”

“Although now they will be scrabbling around trying to get rid of any
evidence.”

Another man told the group that he had profiled the streets by the earliest
dates noted that “the three locations are within a mile to two miles of
each other”. He then named the road he believed the perpetrator to live.

One man mapped the locations of cat disappearances in a bid to track down
the perpetrator

The police have acknowledged that there is much “speculation” about the
missing cats, but warned that residents must contact the authorities if they
see anything suspicious, rather than taking the law into their own hands.

There have been several sightings reported by group members of a couple who
drive around Ipswich, tempting cats with sweets.

Kevin Liard, a 48-year-old cat owner, said that the children of Ipswich should
be mobilised to help locate the missing cats.

“Kids are really small, they can see under cars. If kids are told about
something like this they are more inclined to look under cars,” he said.

Mr Liard added that there was too much “scaremongering” about the
whereabouts of the missing cats.

Missy went missing from Cedars Park in Stowmarket last month

Deni Parkes, 50, who started the “Missing Ipswich Cats” Facebook
group, warned members to remain “level headed” and to stick to “proof and
facts”.

“The problem is you might target someone who might be completely
innocent,” she said.

“It’s all hearsay, that’s the problem. I think everyone is upset and they are
going to come up with theories because their brains are going into
overdrive.”

Ms Parkes, a part-time nanny and mother-of-two said: “We need to stay level
headed and stick to proof and facts. Theories are not going to help us.”

Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk said: “There is
never an excuse for anyone to torture or maltreat a defenceless animal.

“I am confident that the police and the RSPCA are working together, and I hope
these unpleasant people are caught quickly, prosecuted and receive a severe
punishment.

“It is really important that the authorities are allowed to deal with
this appropriately and I urge anyone who knows, or suspects, anything to
contact the police. What we do not want is for people to take the law into
their own hands.”

Sgt Mark Thomas from Ipswich South East Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “With
much speculation and reports of missing cats, police are currently assessing
the situation and looking into whether any crimes have occurred.

“We ask for anyone who has witnessed a cat being stolen to call police on 101
or if anyone has evidence of animal welfare issues to contact the RSPCA on
0300 1234 999.

“If a crime has occurred the matter will be taken seriously and officers will
investigate thoroughly.”

“Our sympathies are with the owners of these cats as it is really
upsetting to lose their cats in this way.

“We urge anyone with any evidence of animal welfare offences to call us
on 0300 1234 999 and we will do our best to investigate them.”

Yesterday Ben Gummer, MP for Ipswich said he was “alarmed” at the scale of the
problem.

Ipswich mayor Bill Quinton said “I share the devastation any cat owner
feels when their much-loved pet goes missing or is injured or killed.”